Historic Day For ASEAN: KL Peace Accord, Timor-Leste Accession And Trump’s Visit Mark Landmark Summit

By Karina Imran and Nursyabiha Sukri

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- History of all sorts was created here in the Malaysian capital today, with the signing of the KL Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand, accession of Timor-Leste into ASEAN and the United States President Donald Trump’s maiden visit to Malaysia, all held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The agreement between Thailand and Cambodia represents a significant step toward securing peace and stability between the neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, with Trump commending Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his pivotal role in mediating and facilitating the deal.

Not only did Anwar receive praise from Trump, but his effort in bringing two warring parties to a negotiating table was also commended by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet. 

It was also a historic day for ASEAN, which witnessed its first expansion in 26 years, as Timor-Leste’s long-awaited accession as the bloc's 11th member was formalised through the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN. 

The signing of the KL Peace Accord, witnessed by Anwar and Trump, was hailed as a milestone in ASEAN’s regional diplomacy, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to peace, conflict prevention, and cooperative stability under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

In a separate event during the summit, Anwar and Trump also signed the US-Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement, concluding months of bilateral negotiations.

Under the deal, Washington is committed to maintaining a 19 per cent tariff on originating goods from Malaysia, while 1,711 Malaysian products have been identified to receive zero per cent reciprocal tariffs from the US.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0, set to be signed on Tuesday, reflects the 11-member bloc's shared commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

Additionally, Anwar also called for stronger cooperation between ASEAN and Japan, as well as ASEAN with India and the European Council. 

The Prime Minister said the ASEAN-India Trade Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is expected to be concluded by this year. 

In addition to several meetings, today's programme includes the third Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting and the handover of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

Also capturing attention today is the unveiling of a new regional football tournament, the FIFA ASEAN Cup, involving 11 ASEAN nations. 

Earlier today, Anwar officiated the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, marking the start of three days of high-level meetings under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.

Some 30 leaders and high-ranking officials, including those from the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, will participate in discussions on regional peace, economic resilience and inclusive growth.

-- BERNAMA